For years, Portugal’s Job Seeker Visa was seen as a golden ticket for non-EU nationals eager to find work and build a future in one of Europe’s most welcoming economies. The visa allowed foreign job hunters to enter the country without a pre-arranged offer and stay for up to 120 days, extendable by another 60 days while exploring opportunities across the Portuguese job market. Better yet, it came with the added advantage of free travel throughout the Schengen Zone, making it one of the most flexible “search and settle” routes in Europe.
That, however, has now changed. As of 23 October 2025, Portugal has officially abolished the Job Seeker Visa under Law No. 61/2025. The government confirmed that no new applications will be accepted under the old framework. This marks the end of an era for many aspiring professionals who viewed Portugal as a gateway to EU work opportunities.
Key Takeaways
Why Portugal Decided to Scrap the Old System
So, why the sudden policy shift? According to government officials, the decision stemmed from a mix of labour market saturation, visa misuse, and shifting migration priorities. The Job Seeker Visa, while initially successful, became increasingly difficult to manage. Authorities reported rising instances of applicants using the visa to gain entry into the Schengen Zone without genuine employment intentions, some overstaying, others moving on to other EU countries illegally.
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Another factor was economic. Portugal’s once-liberal visa framework had served its purpose during labour shortages post-pandemic, but with unemployment stabilising and the demand for low-skilled labour declining, policymakers saw a need to tighten entry rules. The focus is now shifting toward highly qualified professionals who can contribute to Portugal’s growing sectors such as technology, green energy, research, and advanced manufacturing.
In short, the old system had become too open-ended for a country now intent on attracting talent with long-term value rather than short-term job seekers.
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Introducing the New Skilled Work Seeking Route
Replacing the discontinued system is Portugal’s “Highly Skilled Work-Seeking Visa”, a more focused and selective route designed to attract top-tier professionals. While the exact implementing regulations are still being drafted, early announcements make the intent clear: this is no longer a visa for anyone looking for any job; it’s for those who can fill specific, high-demand roles.
Unlike the old Job Seeker Visa, this new pathway will not allow Schengen-wide travel. Applicants will be restricted to Portuguese territory during their stay. The validity will likely remain similar for around four months with a possible extension, but the scope will narrow considerably. Moreover, if a visa holder fails to secure employment within the permitted period, they will have to wait one full year before reapplying.
While some may see this as a restrictive move, the government argues that the new model will lead to better matching between labour market needs and incoming foreign talent. The goal is to make Portugal competitive for highly skilled workers, rather than a stepping stone for EU access.
Who Can Apply Under the New Visa Rules
Eligibility under the new visa regime will focus on professionals with specialised technical or academic skills. This likely includes engineers, IT professionals, health practitioners, researchers, renewable energy experts, and others whose qualifications align with Portugal’s innovation-driven growth strategy.
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Applicants will probably be required to demonstrate advanced educational credentials, work experience, and proof of job-market relevance, for example, degrees in fields officially listed as “high-demand” by the Portuguese Labour Ministry. While the final list of recognised “specialised technical competencies” is yet to be released, it’s expected to mirror the country’s national skills shortage database.
In contrast to the earlier, more general Job Seeker Visa, this one will cater primarily to those who bring demonstrable expertise rather than those hoping to find entry-level or seasonal employment. This focus on skills over numbers reflects Portugal’s effort to align its immigration model with EU standards for talent attraction.
How the Application Process Will Change in 2025
The upcoming process promises to be more structured and selective. Instead of a simple entry visa with broad eligibility, applicants will have to meet stricter screening standards. Early guidance suggests that the process will involve the following:
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- Online Pre-Qualification – Candidates will first need to verify if their qualifications meet the “highly skilled” definition under the new law.
- Document Submission – This will likely include proof of education, professional licenses, work history, and financial self-sufficiency.
- Employer Verification (Optional Stage) – For some applicants, obtaining a preliminary endorsement or “expression of interest” from a Portuguese employer may strengthen their case.
- Visa Issuance and Entry – Once approved, the visa will permit entry to Portugal for a fixed period to search for employment in designated fields.
- Conversion to Residence Permit – If the applicant secures a job, they may apply for a residence permit through the local immigration authorities (AIMA).
Timelines are expected to tighten. Under the new law, applications will no longer be processed in bulk but will instead undergo skill-based evaluations. That means fewer approvals overall but a higher likelihood of genuine employability among visa holders.
What This Means for Job Seekers and Employers
For international job seekers, this marks a major shift. The days of entering Portugal with minimal paperwork and job-hunting freedom are over. Future applicants will need to invest in skills alignment, credential validation, and proof of employability before applying. On the bright side, those who qualify under the new system will likely enjoy smoother transitions to long-term residence and possibly even pathways to permanent settlement in the future.
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Employers, particularly those in technology, healthcare, and renewable energy, stand to benefit. By prioritising high-skilled professionals, the government aims to reduce hiring delays, simplify onboarding, and strengthen the domestic talent base in critical industries. However, sectors reliant on low-skilled foreign labour, especially hospitality, tourism, and construction, are expected to feel the pinch. These industries are already voicing concerns that the new rules could worsen existing labour shortages.
Ultimately, this policy shift signals Portugal’s evolution from an open-entry model to a strategic migration system, one that rewards expertise over exploration.
Final Thoughts
Portugal’s decision to phase out the Job Seeker Visa is not just administrative; it’s philosophical. The country is repositioning itself as a magnet for skilled, career-driven professionals rather than a temporary destination for uncertain job seekers. For those with the right qualifications and ambition, Portugal still offers immense opportunities. But for others, it’s time to rethink migration plans and explore alternative EU destinations that continue to welcome general job-hunting visas.
